New/Updated Information

Early Dismissal – No PM PS Friday

K-8 classes dismiss at 12:40 on Friday. Bus service is available. (Algebra students should check with the AHS exam schedule.) Aftercare is available. There is no afternoon PS class.

Classes resume for all on January 5th.

Civic Oration Second Round

Congratulations to the following students who have advanced to the final r0und of “civic oration” speeches.

5/6 Grade Division: Basheer D, Kennedy K, Luke S, Natalie VM, Hannah M, Crue N

7/8 Grade Division: Ivy K, Mia VM, Will C, Audrey J, Paloma S, Lilly S

K-2 Christmas Program

There have been some changes to how we’re doing the K-2 Christmas program. Please note the following:

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Kindergartners will sit in the far “wings” by the statue of Mary on one side and Joseph on the other side.
First graders will be dropped off in the gathering space meeting room. They will be picked up from there as well.
Second graders will be dropped off in the back of the gathering space by the kitchenette and pictures of OLV’s pastors. They will be picked up from the risers in the church after the concert.

Please be courteous so all can enjoy the concert.

Still Relevant

Children’s Liturgy of the Words is Coming Back to OLV

See the following photo/flyer.

Christmas Is Coming — Should I Get My Child a Smartphone?

Every year, parents wrestle with the big Christmas question: “Is this the year my child gets a smartphone?” There’s no perfect answer, but here’s one truth worth keeping in mind: a smartphone won’t end childhood… it just hits the fast-forward button. Once that device is unwrapped, kids suddenly gain access to group chats, notifications at all hours, and social drama that even adults struggle to navigate. Research tells us that early smartphone use tends to replace imaginative play, disrupts sleep, opens doors to adult content, and makes it harder for kids to build strong attention skills. As you think about what’s best for your family, remember that it’s completely okay to delay the smartphone—or choose a simpler device—if you’d prefer to keep life on “normal speed” a little longer.

Checking Students’ Grades and Missing Work

Below is a link to the instructions for parents to check students’ “in progress” standards grades. It also includes directions for checking missing assignments and Algebra grades for students taking the class at Assumption. The directions cover how to use both the PowerSchool portal on a computer and the PowerSchool app.

Important notes:

There are some things that just cannot be done on the app. You will have to use a computer for them.
There is a message that says “Grades disabled by school.” IGNORE this message. It references a certain type of grade and not the standards-referenced grades we are using.

Instructions

Bandit Retiring from School Work

Back in September, I mentioned that Bandit, our facility dog, was experiencing health issues affecting his ability to be at school and his ongoing training and certification. His anxiety level also seems to have increased, and the additional training we’ve been trying to do is not helping his ability to work at school. Bandit is going to have to retire from school work. If you are interested in adopting Bandit as a household pet, please let Mrs. Wolf know. We are thankful for what Bandit was able to offer at JFK and wish him well in retirement.

POP-UP Conversations for Parents

Need some help talking to your children about any of the following real-life topics?

My Kid is Struggling with Anxiety
My Kid Is Always on Their Phone
My Kid is Unmotivated & Unfocused
My Kid is Struggling with Friendships
My Kid is Confused and Anxious about Our Polarized Culture
My Kid Feels Pressure to Be Perfect
My Kid Doesn’t Want to Go to Church Anymore

Try utilizing POP-UP Conversations for Parents (Downloadable Videos & Leader Guides). Each topic includes a 10–13 minute video “onramp” from a trusted voice to spark discussion, and an easy-to-use Leader’s Guide. These one – hour sessions are designed to help parents/caregivers recognize God’s presence and calling as they care for their kids, and can be used in a variety of in person or online formats.

Highlighted Events

Multiple calendars are available on our website, www.olvjfk.com. On the school side of the website, a one-page summary calendar is on the front page. Detailed calendars can also be reached by clicking on the calendars heading toward the upper right corner of the website. Anything underlined on the calendar can be clicked on, and more details will open for you. Below are a few highlighted events:

Dec 15: K PJ day. 4L pizza party.
Dec 16: Civic Oration Final Rnd. Advent Communal Penance Service at Sacred Heart. K-2 Christmas Program. Student Council’s Supply Store. 5/6, 7/8 band, 7/8 choir out of uniform
Dec 17: 7th Grade Shopping. 3 YO PS Holiday Event.
Dec 18: K-2, 5-8 Out of Uniform. Advent Communal Penance Service at Lourdes.
Dec 19: Red/White/Green/Christmas Attire. No PM PS. 2 Hr Early Dismissal. Middle School Youth Night
Dec 21-Jan 2: Christmas Break for Students. ECLC Closed.
Jan 5: Classes and ECLC Resume.

Personal Sharing

We had another proud moment in our family on Friday. Our daughter, Kirsten, received her master’s degree from Drake University. In our immediate family of six, that makes 15 degrees or advanced certificates. Perhaps even more than the earning of the degree, it’s the willingness of family members to show up for one another that is impressive. Family isn’t always perfect, but it makes me proud that they always show up for one another. Caitlin and her husband drove from Kansas City, Calli and her boyfriend came from UNI, Lynn and I drove from Davenport, and my wife FaceTimed with Colleen so Colleen could see the graduation from Atlanta. The only one missing was Tom, who was hosting youth group and working Friday night.

Chad